Bhopal man killed after attack by five assailants:Suspects out of jail days earlier involved in crime, one held

A 20-year-old painting contractor was stabbed to death in Bhopal’s Kolar area on Friday night in what police described as an incident linked to an old rivalry. Five accused have been named in the case, one of whom has been arrested. Victim attacked outside his house The deceased, identified as Nikhil Sitole, was standing outside his house in Sarvdharm Damkheda around 9:30 pm when the accused—identified as Dhanu, Govind, Ashish, Jugal, and Gannu—arrived and attacked him with knives. After the assault, the accused fled the spot while brandishing weapons. Family members rushed Nikhil to the hospital in critical condition, where he died during treatment in the early hours. Dispute linked to opposition against accused According to police and family members, the accused and the victim were previously friends. However, Nikhil had distanced himself due to their alleged criminal activities and frequently objected to their behavior in the locality. Earlier on the same day, the accused had allegedly threatened and assaulted him when he warned them that he would approach the police. Later that night, they reportedly returned and carried out the fatal attack. Accused recently released from jail Police said that some of the accused, including Jugal, Govind, and Dhanu, have a criminal background and were recently released from jail in an attempt-to-murder case. Investigators believe the attack was also intended to establish dominance and spread fear in the area, as the accused are known for intimidating residents. Family alleges pattern of criminal behavior The victim’s father, Satish Sitole, alleged that the accused have a history of harassing women, vandalizing vehicles under the influence of alcohol, and assaulting people who oppose them. He said his son was the sole earning member of the family and worked as a contractor, earning a stable livelihood through painting contracts. He added that Nikhil had chosen to stay away from the accused and focus on his work but continued to oppose their alleged wrongdoing, which led to the attack. Police action and ongoing search Police have registered a murder case and arrested one accused, Dhanu. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the remaining suspects. Station House Officer Sanjay Soni said that teams have been deployed and the remaining accused will be apprehended soon.